Hebrew Names

Panna is a name with many allusions — in addition to being a Hungarian variant of Anna (PAWN-naw) and a Hindi gemstone name (PAHN-nah), it is also a serene and sacred city in India and the Italian word for cream (PA-nuh). Panna might make a fresh alternative to Anna or Hannah. 

Panna

Often heard in Israel, spelled with or without the final h. 

Paziah

This rare name crosses cultures. With the popularity of Ella and Bella, perhaps we'll hear more of Pella one day soon?

Pella

Lovely Hebrew name with distinctive double a's, but beware of possible "banana" teasing. 

Raanana

Well used in Israel, likely to be confused with Ramona here. 

Rimona

Ranita

Rafya is a feminine name with multicultural origins. It likely derives from Arabic roots, possibly related to 'Rafia' which means 'high status' or 'exalted.' In some cultures, it may be connected to 'raffia,' a type of palm known for its versatility and strength. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and exotic feel. Rafya remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something unique yet pronounceable. The name carries a sense of natural beauty and resilience, possibly evoking images of desert landscapes or tropical environments depending on the cultural context. Its rarity gives a child named Rafya a sense of individuality from an early age.

Rafya

Rafia is a feminine name with multicultural origins, finding roots in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu traditions. In Arabic, the name means 'high' or 'exalted,' suggesting elevation and nobility of character. Some interpretations also connect it to 'companion' or 'friend,' emphasizing social harmony. The name shares its spelling with rafia palm fronds, creating a subtle connection to nature. With its simple two-syllable structure and flowing sound, Rafia offers an accessible pronunciation across different languages while maintaining its exotic appeal. While not among the most common names in Western countries, Rafia enjoys steady popularity in Muslim communities worldwide. The name balances cultural depth with a contemporary feel, making it increasingly attractive to parents seeking a name that bridges traditions while remaining distinctive.

Rafia

Whether spelled Raffaela, Rafaela, Raffaella, or Raphaela, a euphonius name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image. Like Gabriella and Isabella, is beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream.

Raffaela

Raphia is a feminine name with botanical origins, referring to a genus of palm trees native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing sounds. While uncommon as a given name, Raphia carries natural associations with strength and resilience, as raphia palms are known for their sturdy fibers used in traditional crafts and construction. The name may also relate to 'Rapha,' a Hebrew word meaning 'healing,' giving it potential spiritual significance. Raphia has cross-cultural appeal with its natural imagery and pleasant phonetics. The name remains rare, making it an distinctive choice for parents seeking a unique botanical name with an exotic feel and natural symbolism.

Raphia

Rebekka is a more creative spelling -- at least in some people's opinion -- of the biblical favorite Rebecca. Rebekka is also the usual German version.  The Rebekkah spelling was commonly used in Early America. 

Rebekka

A possible alternative to the better-known Shoshona. 

Rishona

Pippi Longstocking author Astrid Lindgren invented the name Ronja for her book Ronja, the Robber's Daughter. She was inspired by the lake Juronjaure, located in Norrbotten, Sweden.
 
Lindgren's creation has been a smash hit since the book was first published in 1981. Ronja was recently a Top 100 name in Germany, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Switzerland.
 
Despite similarities to the Hebrew names Ronia and Roniya, as well as the Russian Ronya, Ronja is unrelated.

Ronja

Though pleasant enough, Samala is sure to require lots of explanation. 

Samala

A modern version of the dated Betty.  You might want to consider varying Elizabeth, too, to the Italian Elisabetta.

Betta

Unusual Samantha alternative with little aural appeal. 

Sameh

Sharai

Although very rarely used for girls, its soft, gentle sound makes it a perfect candidate for crossing over to the female camp. 

Seth

Unlike other place names, this one might be tied too tightly to a single locale -- the Maryland suburb of D. C. -- to work as a first name.

Bethesda

Shoushan is a romantic member of the Susan/Susannah/Shoshana family — rhythmic and melodic.

Shoushan

Hebrew names used widely in the modern world include Noah, Isabella, Elizabeth, Sarah, Asher, Elijah, Jacob, Leah, James, John, Michael, Mary, and Eva. 

 include Ariel, Delilah, Eliana, Eva, Maya, and Naomi. For boys, 

 include Asher, Elijah, Jacob, Levi, and Noah. In Israel, popular names include Tamar, Shira, Uri, and Noam.

 are some of the best-known as well as the most interesting Hebrew baby names today.

 often have Hebrew origins. Recommended choices include Delilah, Dinah, Keziah, Esther, and Susannah.

 include such appealing Hebrew boy names as Amos, Asher, Eli, Ezra, and Moses.

Hebrew is spoken in modern Israel, so it's both an ancient and a living language. Names popular in modern Israel include many Hebrew names but some modern Israeli names as well. 

If you’re searching for Hebrew names for your baby or simply want to survey all the options with roots in ancient languages and cultures, here is the full range of Hebrew name choices in our database, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.

Hebrew names including Hebrew boy names and Hebrew girl names for jewish babies with meaning and popularity (Page 40)